Stepping Up: Insights From Hair and Makeup for Film and Television MA Course Leader Elizabeth Tagg

The National Film and Television School is expanding its course offerings even further, including a brand new Hair and Makeup for Film and Television MA. Led by Elizabeth Tagg, Principal and CEO of the prestigious Iver Makeup Academy, this one-year course brings together the NFTS’s globally recognised training excellence and The Iver Makeup Academy’s extensive industry expertise, to offer advanced training in hair and makeup for film and high-end television.

The NFTS prides itself on nurturing world-class talent through highly specialised training led by working industry practitioners, in a real filmmaking environment. Liz is an award-winning makeup artist with over 40 years’ experience in the industry across film, television, theatre and beauty. A recipient of the Hollywood Guild Award, she comes to the school with a wealth of knowledge and contacts to prepare the next generation of hair and makeup supervising and designing experts.

We caught up with Liz to discover what sets this course apart and why it provides a timely response to the growing demand for highly skilled hair and makeup specialists.

Welcome to the NFTS Liz! The Iver Academy has had students consistently working on NFTS projects as hair and makeup artists for several years now. This is the first iteration of this course. What makes this Hair and Makeup for Film and Television MA unique from other courses and what are you excited for most as course leader?

This MA is unique because it places Hair and Makeup at the heart of screen storytelling. Students are embedded in live NFTS productions, developing not only advanced craft skills but also leadership, budgeting and production management. It bridges the gap between technical training and professional industry practice in a way that is currently unmatched in the UK. 

I'm excited to help students grow from skilled practitioners into confident creative leaders. Seeing them collaborate across NFTS productions, develop their own artistic voice and leave with the skills, experience and professional networks to thrive in film and television is incredibly rewarding.

This course will be located in a dedicated film studio environment, and students will be collaborating on NFTS projects with fellow students. How important is collaboration in the hair and makeup department and in what ways does this course prepare students to move into industry after graduating?

Collaboration is at the heart of Hair and Makeup. Artists work closely with directors, actors, costume, production design and cinematography to help bring characters and stories to life on screen. This course prepares students for industry through collaboration on NFTS productions, where they gain real experience of professional workflows, teamwork and creative problem-solving. Alongside advanced craft skills, they develop leadership, budgeting and production management skills, leaving with a strong portfolio and industry-ready experience.

This course combines advanced craft development with live production experience, leadership training, budgeting awareness and professional preparation. How important is it for students to be taught by industry professionals and how will this benefit them long-term?

Being taught by industry professionals is invaluable because students gain insight from people who are actively working in film and television today. They learn current industry practices, expectations and workflows, as well as the professional standards needed to succeed on set. In the long term, this helps students build confidence, develop industry-relevant skills and establish professional networks that can support their careers after graduation. It ensures they leave the course not only as skilled artists, but as professionals who are ready to contribute from day one.

As a BAFTA and Emmy nominated make-up artist yourself, what has been your favourite project to work on and why?

Band of Brothers remains one of my favourite projects because of its sheer scale and the opportunity to work alongside incredible talent, including Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. It was an extraordinary production that set a benchmark for storytelling, authenticity and attention to detail, and being part of that was a real career highlight. That said, some of the projects I've enjoyed most creatively have actually been small independent films that aren't widely known. On those productions, there's often a huge amount of creative freedom and close collaboration, which can be incredibly rewarding as an artist. Sometimes it's the smaller projects that allow you to take the biggest creative risks and have the greatest influence on the final look of the film.

And finally, what advice would you offer to prospective applicants who are considering applying for this course?

My advice would be not to underestimate the value of developing the skills beyond the creative work itself. Most practitioners are comfortable focusing on craft, but stepping up to manage teams, budgets and larger productions can feel daunting. This MA is designed to support that transition. Alongside advanced Hair and Makeup practice, students develop leadership, communication and people-management skills, as well as a deeper understanding of how Hair and Makeup collaborates with every other department on a production. The course gives students the space to reflect on their practice, build confidence and learn how to lead creatively and professionally. If you're passionate about Hair and Makeup and ready to take the next step in your career, we would welcome your application!

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Are you interested in taking your hair and makeup career to the next level?

Hair and Makeup for Film and Television MA
1 Year
Full time

Find out more and apply today: nfts.co.uk/hair-and-makeup-film-and-television